F’ville to consider downtown microbrewery

A concept drawing shows the south facade and beer garden area of Awkward Brewing.

Highlighting Thursday night’s agenda, the City of Fayetteville Council will take their first look at a proposal for a downtown microbrewery.

If the rezoning request is approved, land across Lee Street next from the City of Fayetteville Water Department and City Hall could become home to Awkward Brewing, a microbrewery and beer garden.

The plot is currently occupied by two houses, two garages, and a small barn and zoned R-22 (Single Family Residential). The applicant is requesting C-1 (Downtown Historic Mixed Use) zoning.

The main house would remain a two-unit residential apartment, the smaller ranch house would be torn down, and one of the garages would be converted into commercial restrooms.

The 1,071 square foot garage on the north side of the property would be divided in half, split between a tasting room and a microbrewery. The microbrewery would employee three people and brew approximately five days per month at the outset, with plans to expand to brewing one day per week in the future.

The applicant’s project narrative calls it “an indoor/outdoor space dedicated to a family environment, to socialize and sample local Fayetteville-produced craft beer.”

The plan would include a tasting room and outdoor areas with seating, games, and recreation.

Owners of the surrounding property have written letters of support for the plan, and city staff is recommending approval with conditions. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted at their August 28 meeting to recommend approval.

Under the recent change in setup, the rezoning request is just a work session item. The first public hearing will be on Thursday, September 27 (a week later than the standard meeting due to a scheduling conflict), and the second public hearing with a vote is slated for the October 4 meeting.